Newslinks for Thursday 3rd December 2015

RAF launch sorties over Syria as Cameron secures Commons support

“Last night, David Cameron boasted Britain is ‘safer’ after the House of Commons backed his proposal to extend military action in Syria by 397 votes to 223 – a majority of 174. Some 66 of Labour MPs defied their pacifist leader Jeremy Corbyn to back the Tory government, after Mr Cameron warned Britain had to strike at the heart of ISIS or ‘wait for them to attack us’.” – Daily Mail

Tim Montgomerie: This vote will have reassured America

“The vote authorising British military action in Syria will have done much to assure Washington that the country of Winston Churchill can still summon up resolve to confront and defeat evils such as Islamic State… As the Wall Street Journal noted in a leading article yesterday, even when Britain’s military contribution is relatively small, the UK provides rhetorical power and intellectual heft to America’s foreign policy debate”. – The Times (£)

Tusk plays tough on migrant benefits with ultimatum to Cameron

“David Cameron has been told he must ditch his flagship European Union renegotiation demand to curb migrant benefits if he is to get a deal before Christmas. The Prime Minister has asked officials in Brussels for a speedy agreement to be wrapped up at a summit in a fortnight’s time.” – Daily Mail

EU chief tells Prime Minister to delay until February or ‘risk it all’ – The Sun

Premier ‘will campaign to leave’ if EU don’t back down on migrant benefits – Daily Telegraph

No treaty change before referendum, Prime Minister warned – The Times (£)

Gove’s proposals to replace Human Rights Act delayed until 2016

“Plans to scrap the Human Rights Act have been delayed for a second time, Michael Gove has revealed. The prime minister’s request for a consultation on whether the UK should set up a constitutional court to block EU laws has triggered a “complex” process, the Justice Secretary warned.” – Daily Telegraph

Osborne’s plans threatened by higher interest rate risk

“The warning, which will alarm families finally reaping the rewards of the economic recovery through rising wages, was another setback for George Osborne in the wake of last week’s Autumn Statement. The Chancellor has already been accused by the Institute for Fiscal Studies of taking a gamble with the economy by basing his plans on ‘lucky’ upgrades to the official forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.” – Daily Mail

Police investigation into Clarke expanding

“At least 22 witnesses have given statements and police are learning more names all the time, said Ray Johnson, whose son Elliott, 21, committed suicide after complaining of bullying by Conservative election aide Mark Clarke, dubbed the Tatler Tory. Mr Johnson said police had been encouraging potential victims of Clarke – who denies bullying, sexually harassing and blackmailing young Tory activists – to make criminal allegations.” – Daily Mail

Senior local Tories claim ‘drunk and chaotic’ Road Trip activists were ‘useless’ – The Times (£)

Muslim voters give Labour a boost in Oldham

“Labour is poised to receive the overwhelming backing of Oldham’s Muslim voters today, which party chiefs believe will help them squeeze to a by-election victory. Senior Labour figures acknowledge that there has been a surge in support for Ukip among white voters in the constituency, but conversations with Muslim voters have boosted confidence within party ranks.” – The Times (£)

Nigel Farage: UKIP can do to Labour in the North as the SNP did in Scotland

“Things change in politics, often more quickly than we believe possible. Just a few years ago, Labour had total dominance in Scotland. But that has now come to an abrupt end with the SNP almost wiping them out… today we can do what until recently would have been considered impossible – overturn Labour’s huge majority in Oldham. If we do, believe me, Labour dominoes in the north of England will begin to fall.” – Daily Telegraph

Sturgeon quizzed on suspended MPs

“McGarry, who has withdrawn from the SNP whip, “is absolutely adamant that she is not guilty of any wrongdoing” in connection with the cash missing from the accounts of Women for Independence, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon told journalists during a briefing at her Edinburgh residence. Sturgeon also confirmed that Michelle Thomson, who has resigned the SNP whip amid police investigations into her property business, remains suspended even though she was seen sitting with the SNP group at Westminster.” – The Guardian

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